Nanaimo Dive Outfitters - Pacific Northwest

Okay, Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. You pull up to this unassuming shop, and frankly, from the parking lot, you wouldn't guess what's just a few steps away. We love how easy the shore entry is, especially for new divers or when you’re just trying out new gear. Slip in, and it’s a quick descent onto a silty slope that offers up some real PNW character. Our favorite spot is usually around the pilings, which are just covered in anemones and nudibranchs. Keep your eyes peeled for the little things, like Humpy Shrimp tucked into crevices or the subtle colours of a Slender Crab. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with Brown Catsharks here, usually tucked under ledges, and the Olympia oysters are everywhere, forming little mini-reefs themselves. Visibility can be a bit variable, but even on an average day, we’ve found it’s worth the plunge just for the sheer density of life. It’s a great place to practice buoyancy and really slow down, examining the details.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.191680, -123.992730
Type
shore
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to Nanaimo Dive Outfitters

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Nanaimo Dive Outfitters

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories